Tag: African language

During the student demonstrations in Soeweto this song reportedly turned back heavily armed South African riot police.

Translation

We’re not afraid to go to prison
Freedom is the cause for which we fight
We are the united children of Africa
Freedom is the cause for which we fight
This heavy load upon our shoulders
Will require all our strength.

Often a big finisher at our gigs is this South African collection. It starts with Thina Sizwe, a poignant demand for the land stolen from the black nation by the whites. Reflecting the admirable ability that people sometimes have of celebrating in the face of adversity the exuberant Afrika O Afrika urges her people to “dry your tears! Who’s crying now?” – and we follow this with Makhosikazi a militant song from the women of South Africa for their sisters everywhere. The melody, carried by the sopranos, is traditional but the two counterpointed harmonies are by Miguel Heatwole. The medley closes with a tribute to Nelson Mandela that we learned for his 1990 visit to Sydney and sang again for him ten years later. Rolihlahla is Mandela’s first name and it translates as “pulling the branch of a tree” – meaning a troublemaker.

Thina Sizwe Translation

As for us, the black nation, we cry for our country which was taken by the whites. We say they should leave our land. The children of Africa cry for their country.